It’s crazy to think that 100 days have passed since Obama became president! So much has changed, grown, and evolved since January 20th. On that day, I created a virtual portfolio of american stocks that I felt were profitable sustainability leaders. After watching it tumble throughout Feb and early March, it’s been extremely profitable ever since. My portfolio is up 8.9% total since Jan. 20, and since I’ve kept about 1/3 in cash, my investments have grown even more than that!
I suppose it’s easy to look like a genius in a good market, but I am proud! The S&P 500 and MSCI World (the two major benchmarks) are both sitting almost exactly where they were 100 days ago, which means that I’ve outperformed! Where’s my bonus?? =)
I’ve learned some very important lessons by keeping this virtual portfolio, most importantly about market timing. Although my sustainability knowledge helps me to identify good companies, I am not an expert in deciding when to buy or sell. I’ve mostly been trusting my gut on when to pull the trigger on a trade, and I’ve still got lots to learn in this area.
Big Winners
JCI - Although I bought this stock on the way down, it has come back strongly since mid-March, doubling from its low. I wish I had bought more in March!
ENOC - This stock has gone nowhere but up since I bought it! From $8.51 to $18.06 today!!
FSLR - This company wouldn’t have made me any money if I wasn’t paying close attention. I noticed that it dropped precipitously Feb 25 - Mar 02. from $137.68 to $103.97. Seeing a bargain, I bought a whole bunch and was rewarded as has risen steadily since.
Big Losers
JNJ & CAT - These two companies have been my biggest disappointment. I thought that the first Obama stimulus would focus more on health and infrastructure. It didn’t. A big lesson I learned here is that behemoth sustainability leaders will take waaaay longer to adapt. I still like these companies in the long-term, but my money will earn more if invested elsewhere.
ENER - This stock has been flaccid at best because they delayed expansion plans that had been priced-in. I’ve kept buying more on the way down, and expect a rally soon.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
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